US polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exports were 464,782 tonnes in first-quarter of 2009, up by 36% from the same quarter a year earlier, according to US International Trade Commission (ITC) data released on Tuesday. Exports in March 2009 were 156,858 tonnes, 5% lower than in February but 45% higher than the same month last year, the ITC said. Sources said the weak US dollar and growing demand overseas has encouraged US PVC exports, while domestic demand has weakened even further over the past year. Egypt, China and India were the top three destinations for US PVC exports in March, the ITC said. US PVC export spot prices were assessed at $630-670/tonne (€466-496/tonne) FOB (free on board) US Gulf, according to global chemical market intelligence service ICIS pricing. US PVC imports were 37,905 tonnes in first-quarter 2009, down by 3% from the same quarter a year earlier, according to ITC figures. However, imports in March 2009 were 21% higher than in February and 41% higher than the same month last year, the ITC said. Canada, Germany and Colombia were the top three exporters of PVC to the US in March, the ITC said.